Page 24 of Enemies with My Brother's Billionaire Bestie

I laugh, surprised by her response. “Olivia!”

She giggles. “It’s true. Now I’ve been hating the wrong person for all this time. All because of some silly misunderstanding.”

“If it offers any consolation, I deserved the hatred you gave me,” I say. “Henry wasn’t the reason we fought. I’ve only got myself to blame for our bickering.”

She’s silent for a moment, then looks over at me, her voice softer. “At least we’re not fighting now. Maybe we don’t have to fight anymore.”

I meet her gaze, lost in her blue eyes, unsure of where this might go. “Do you think it’ll be enough to make things right with Daniel? To earn his trust again after everything that’s happened?”

“I hope so. Otherwise, I might just have to jump into the ocean,” she says, half-joking, half-serious.

I raise an eyebrow, feigning shock. “I think it’s worth a try. No more fighting until after the wedding, agreed?” I stretch out my hand for a handshake.

She looks at me and then takes my hand, her grip firm. “No fighting until the wedding,” she agrees, and there’s something unspoken in the air between us, something that makes my heart skip.

We stand, and I slip my jacket over her shoulders. “Let’s get you home before Julia has a heart attack.”

She grins. “You know, Elliot, one of the rules of friendship is playing fair, and you’re definitely not playing fair.”

I laugh as we start walking, her voice trailing behind me. My heart feels lighter, but there’s still a knot of anxiety—about what we’re becoming and what I’m afraid to admit to myself. What if this hatred I thought I felt was something deeper? Something I’m too scared to acknowledge?

But for now, as she walks ahead of me, the world feels a little less heavy. And maybe, just maybe, there’s a chance for something different between us.

Chapter fifteen

Olivia

We’re like old friends—old friends who’ve finally had the chance to speak again. It’s thrilling, yet terrifying. Elliot is different, I noticed that night at his restaurant, and tonight has only confirmed it.

As he follows silently behind me, I wonder: What would a friendship with Elliot Sharp really be like? Am I ready for it? How can I manage a friendship with a man whose rage can crush my spirit and whose smile makes my legs feel like they might give out beneath me?

Honestly, I have no idea if I’ll crumble under the weight of this friendship, but one thing is certain: I’m willing to try if it means getting another chance to make things right with my brother. I never want to see that look of disappointment on his and Julia’s faces again, knowing it was my fault.

When we arrive at my house, I don’t know what time it is, but the stillness of the night tells me it’s long past midnight.

“Thanks for walking me home, Elliot. Now I have to go grovel for forgiveness,” I say, offering a half-smile as I hand his jacket back.

“I’ll save my groveling for tomorrow,” he replies, “but knowing Daniel, he might just decide to take a swing at my face instead.”

I laugh under my breath, unable to picture my usually cheerful brother actually throwing a punch, but given the tension and the mess we've created, I can’t completely rule it out.

“Err, you might want to keep a pack of ice handy just in case,” I joke, and he nods with a faint smile.

“Goodnight, Ollie. It wasn’t so bad talking to you without arguing for once.”

“Don’t get too used to it. I’m not a woman to be oppressed or subjugated,” I tease, my words light but loaded with something more.

He laughs, and my heart skips a beat. He doesn’t seem affected by my laughter, but his does something to me, pulling at something deep within.

“I’m glad you’re not changing that about you,” he says, his voice suddenly serious. As soon as the words leave his lips, his expression freezes, as if realizing what he’s just said. I pretend not to hear it.

“Hmm, goodnight,” I blurt out, rushing through the door before I can catch another word that would make my heart race again.

As soon as I close the door behind me, I lean against it, eyes shut tight, trying to steady my breathing.

“Did something happen?”

I jump, eyes flying open to find Julia standing in the center of the room, looking at me in her pajamas.

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